Know Before You Go: Visiting the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is open to visitors all year long. On weekdays, it typically opens at 9am and closes at 11pm, while on weekends, it opens at 5am and closes at midnight—the last daily entry is 45 minutes before closing time. However, these hours can vary depending on the season and special events. Expect the Burj Khalifa to be busy year-round, especially during the peak season of November to March and during holidays like Eid.

The Burj Khalifa attracts many visitors daily, so choosing the right time for your visit is crucial to avoid the crowds. While having the building to yourself is impossible, scheduling your visit for early morning right when it opens or an hour before closing means you'll encounter fewer people. Visiting on a weekday can also mean slightly smaller crowds compared to weekends. Additionally, be aware that certain times—like sunrise or sunset, as well as public holidays and special events—might draw more visitors, in addition to public holidays. Planning your visit outside of these peak times can enhance your experience significantly.

Insider tip: If you want to view the sunset from the observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, book your timed entry approximately 90 minutes before. There are also a limited number of immediate entry tickets available daily.

Consider planning your visit between November and March for the clearest skies and the best views during your Burj Khalifa tour. During these months, the weather in Dubai is generally clear and pleasant, with fewer dust storms, offering optimal conditions for enjoying expansive vistas from the tower. Summer months, from June to September, often bring hazier conditions due to high temperatures and humidity—this can significantly obscure your bird's-eye views of the city below.

Burj Khalifa can be accessed through the popular Dubai Mall. If you're taking public transportation, take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa Station and make the 15-minute air-conditioned walk to the Dubai Mall. You can also arrive by taxi or car to the Burj Khalifa. Your taxi will typically drop you off at the Dubai Mall entrance near the Dubai Fountain. From there, you'll need to walk inside the mall to reach the lower ground floor, where the ticket booth and entrance to the Burj Khalifa are located. Once inside the mall, head towards the lower ground level and follow the overhead signs for the At the Top Burj Khalifa.

Insider tip: For the smoothest possible experience during your Burj Khalifa tour, arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your allotted ticket time, especially during peak season.

To access the lounge and various observation decks at the Burj Khalifa, booking tickets before you visit is crucial. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular booking times, so secure your spot by booking online as far ahead as possible. Remember, snagging a same-day ticket is unlikely, especially during Dubai's peak travel season, which runs from November to March. While buying tickets on-site is possible, availability depends on the time of year of your visit. Tickets are also time-specific, which assists in scheduling the rest of your day effectively.

Insider tip: Direct tickets are only available for up to four months in advance and tend to sell out fast. So, booking a tour with Burj Khalifa entry can be an excellent alternative when direct tickets are unavailable.

The Burj Khalifa has two observation decks and a lounge, so it's important to ensure you're getting the right ticket to access the levels of Burj Khalifa that you want. The At the Top ticket includes access to the lower observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. The At the Top Sky ticket provides access to the same areas as the At the Top ticket, plus a guided tour and access to the upper observation deck on the 148th floor—at 1,821 feet (555 meters) above ground, this is currently the highest observation area in the world.

Insider tip: If you're visiting during peak season, consider booking your ticket in advance or purchasing Burj Khalifa tour tickets that let you skip the line. Keep in mind that tickets are for a specific date and time.

In addition to the observation decks, you can book tickets to visit the Lounge on the 152nd–154th floors. Tickets include a selection of light snacks and drinks—if you visit in the afternoon, expect afternoon tea. On Saturdays, you can get tickets to brunch at the Burj Khalifa's rooftop and outdoor pool. If you're interested in having lunch or dinner at one of the highest restaurants in the world, be sure to make a reservation at At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor.

Insider tip: Saturday brunch is free for children 6 and under if you're visiting with the kids in tow.

While the Burj Khalifa does not have a dress code, it's advisable to dress modestly to respect the local UAE culture. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended due to how much walking you might do, both within the Burj Khalifa and in the surrounding areas of downtown Dubai. If you plan to visit any of the restaurants or lounges within the Burj Khalifa, the dress code might be more specific and lean towards smart casual or formal—make sure to check in advance.

Do not bring shopping bags, backpacks, glass bottles, knives, fireworks, firearms, pepper spray, shoes with wheels, laptops, e-cigarettes, spray paint, or aerosols. None of those items are allowed inside the Burj Khalifa. There's a luggage room near the entrance to store your belongings.

The Burj Khalifa accommodates guests with wheelchairs. However, working service animals and strollers—you can store the latter in the luggage room at the entrance before beginning your tour—are not allowed on the observation decks. Elevators provide easy access to the various levels, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on each floor. Additionally, designated parking spaces, ramps, and automatic doors enhance accessibility throughout Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa.

• How tall is the Burj Khalifa? The tallest building in the world at the time of writing, the Burj Khalifa stands 2,717 feet (828 meters) high.
• How many floors does the Burj Khalifa have? The Burj Khalifa has 163 floors.
• What is the Burj Khalifa used for? Besides the public observation decks and lounge, the Burj Khalifa is also home to the Armani Hotel, private apartments, and offices.
• Can you go to the top of the Burj Khalifa? The highest floor visitors can currently go to is the 154th floor, where the lounge is located.
• How long does it take to get to the top of Burj Khalifa? Thanks to its high-speed elevators, it takes less than a minute to go up to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
• How long does a tour of the Burj Khalifa take? A Burj Khalifa tour lasts approximately 90 minutes but can take much longer during peak travel season. If you have At the Top Sky tickets, you can remain on the 148th floor for up to 30 minutes before heading down to the lower observation decks—there's no time limit there.
• Do you need to pre-book Burj Khalifa tour tickets? Yes, you can pre-book your visit to Burj Khalifa, and depending on the time of year, it's highly advisable to do so well in advance.
• Are children allowed to visit the Burj Khalifa? Yes, the Burj Khalifa is a kid-friendly experience in Dubai. However, remember that an adult must always accompany children 16 and under.